2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, was a stylish subcompact vehicle. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, triple front lights similar to the Hyundai Kona, and two-tone paint schemes reminiscent of the Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. The interior design was excellent, with a well-thought-out control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic inside was less acceptable as the price climbed past $30,000.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a good-looking crossover SUV, though its styling was not groundbreaking. It featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added both function and a rich look to the front of the vehicle. The MDX had a sleek and low-slung profile for a three-row SUV, with flawless paint and chrome. Inside, the design was modern and simple, with a center stack that included twin infotainment screens and a high-quality level of material selection. The MDX felt solid and well-built, with knobs and switches that actuated with authority.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The base models had a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Other versions featured a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and when equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), a 9-speed automatic transmission replaced the CVT. The Trailblazer Activ AWD's powertrain was agreeable, with torque kicking in at a low 1,600 rpm. The 9-speed automatic provided fast, smooth gear changes, and Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. However, the Trailblazer struggled with acceleration on tight curves and uphill sections. It averaged 26.6 mpg in fuel economy, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The Trailblazer's driving dynamics had quirks, such as transmission hesitation in Normal mode and a disconnected on-center steering feel. Suspension impact harshness was an issue, especially over sharp bumps.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.0-liter V6 hybrid with three electric motors, producing a combined 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The MDX displayed good straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which incorporated torque-vectoring technology. This system directed power to the outside wheel during cornering, improving handling and making the MDX easier to drive quickly. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, soaking up bumps in the road.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior had some drawbacks. Cloth seats were only available in the base trims, and the leatherette material tended to trap sweat. The automatic climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool, and the rear seats were uncomfortable with a flat cushion and an oddly reclined backrest. However, the Trailblazer offered good cargo space, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo-toting length.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a more family-friendly interior with sliding and reclining second-row seats, making it easier to access the third row. The MDX provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 90.9 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The MDX also featured a recessed cubby hole and covered underfloor storage in the rear cargo area. Up front, there was a big glove box, a flexible center console with USB and power jacks, and water-bottle pockets in all four doors. The MDX had tri-zone climate control, allowing separate heating and cooling options for the driver, front passenger, and rear cabin.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Teen Driver technology, and Chevrolet Connected Access services with a WiFi hotspot. The upgraded system for the Activ and RS trims featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization functions. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C charging ports, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system had a simple, intuitive interface with physical controls for power, volume, tuning, and navigation.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation with Acura Real-Time Traffic, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium audio system with 10 speakers. The Advance Package included additional tech features such as the Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Warning, and third-row USB charge ports. The Entertainment Package added a DVD rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. It also featured a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and a subscription-based automatic collision notification service. Depending on the trim level, additional safety features included a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assistance, a high-definition reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. However, the forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control systems had some inconsistencies during testing.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and the Advance Package added Head-Up Warning. Additional safety features included a rearview camera, front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system. The MDX's body structure was designed to absorb impact and transfer energy away from occupants. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.